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Living a Nordic Life
Welcome to Living A Nordic Life, helping you live a Nordic Life, wherever you are.
From my home in southern Norway I'd love to share my Nordic lifestyle, cooking and surroundings with you, and show you how I have discovered that you don't need to live in Norway to enjoy and embrace a Nordic lifestyle and way of living.
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Velkommen august! Welcome August!
August to me is a time of long summer holidays with the autumn far off on the horizon, but here in Norway August is the month when schools restarts and the autumn markets begin. The fields begin to turn golden and the leaves are turning from dark green to red and orange.

Fiona McKinna
Aug 1, 20252 min read


Punschrulle, Swedish No-Bake Punsch Rolls
These no bake Swedish punschrulle are a classic that are perfect for fika. Soft choclate and punsch flavoured cake is covered in marzipan and dipped in chocolate.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 30, 20252 min read


Secret Beach Heaven in southern Norway's Vestfold county
Norway's beaches are some of Europe's hidden gems. They are pristine, quiet and beautiful and perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the beach resorts.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 27, 20254 min read


Swedish Flatbread Rolls with Smoked Salmon and Dill (Tunnbrödssnittar med Lax)
Smoked salmon, Swedish flatbread, dill and horseradish - the perfect combination of classic Swedish ingredients all together in a healthy and delicious dish that you will love.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 25, 20251 min read


Vispipuuro - Finnish Whipped Dessert. Pink Food!
Vispipuuro is a traditional Finnish dish that is simple and delicious. It's comfort food in bowl for many Finns and uses just a handful of simple ingredients.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 16, 20252 min read


Norway's Must-Try Summer Salads
Summer in the Nordics is all about eating seasonally and making the most of what is at it's best. That means lots of delicious and fresh salads

Fiona McKinna
Jul 13, 20252 min read


Perennial Plants: A Game Changer for Your Edible Kitchen Garden
Perennial plants are a wonderful addition to an edible kitchen garden and make growing your own food tear after year fun and easy.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 11, 20259 min read


Two Duvets: The Scandinavian Sleep Secret
There's a secret to good sleep and it's a Scandinavian thing!! Want to know what it is?

Fiona McKinna
Jul 7, 20254 min read


Velkommen juli! Welcome July!
As I write this we are sweltering in heat that feels like something from the tropics. Although we do get warm summer days in Norway it's taken us a little bit by surprise. It's also a wonderful start to summer and how July ought to be.

Fiona McKinna
Jul 1, 20252 min read


Fennel & Ginger Herring (Fänkål och Ingerfarssill)
Pickled herring is about as Scandinavian as you can get, but sometimes it's nice to have make it a little more exciting and flavour packed. Fennel and ginger pickled herrings takes just a few minutes to make and is delicious and unusual

Fiona McKinna
Jun 25, 20252 min read


What Makes Nordic Noir the Go-To Genre for Cosy Nights In?
In recent years, the genre known as Nordic Noir has taken the world by storm. This stark and moody world of crime dramas has captivated audiences with chilling narratives, complex characters, and a unique atmosphere. Whether it's through binge-watching series on streaming platforms or diving into gripping novels, fans can’t seem to get enough of this genre. But what is it about Nordic Noir that has made it the go-to choice for cosy nights in? Let’s unravel the mystery.

Fiona McKinna
Jun 22, 20255 min read


The Nordic Tradition of Midsummer Bonfires
All throughout Scandinavia at midsummer you see bonfires burning. It's a strange time of year to light a fire and it's been done for millennia, but why?

Fiona McKinna
Jun 16, 20252 min read


How to Throw a Nordic Midsummer Party
Midsummer in the Nordics is a magical time of year with long days and an abundance of flowers. It's also a time for special celebrations

Fiona McKinna
Jun 13, 20254 min read


How to Make Chocolate Covered Spruce Tips
Spruce tips are delicious seasonal treat. A few years ago I was given a beautiful German cookery book. It was one I had coveted for a long time and I was excited to read the recipes. It was a collection of fairly unknown and regional recipes from around Germany. I loved it. But after I had read through and made a few of the dishes I flicked to the end of the book and discovered a small section devoted to leftovers and foraged food. It was really only a couple of pages of

Fiona McKinna
Jun 11, 20253 min read


Unlocking the Secrets to Embracing a Simple Nordic Lifestyle
In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the clutter and chaos of daily life. The Nordic countries have long been admired for their ability to promote simplicity and well-being. With their sustainable practices and emphasis on balance, they offer a way to live a more fulfilling life. This is how i live in my own simple life in Norway and id like to help you explore practical steps towards integrating elements of Nordic living into your own life, leadi

Fiona McKinna
Jun 8, 20255 min read


Jonsokblom: The Red Campion Flower and Its Enigmatic Traditions in Nordic Cultures
Jonsokblom or red campion is a common flower in Norway. It holds lots of significance in Nordic cultures and especially at Midsummer

Fiona McKinna
Jun 2, 20254 min read


Velkommen juni! Welcome June!
Welcome June in the Nordics, the first summer month and a month of joy, long days and beautiful traditions

Fiona McKinna
Jun 1, 20252 min read


Swedish Pickled Herring with Beetroot & Horseradish
Bright, vibrant and incredibly Swedish, this recipe for pickled herring with beetroot and horseradish is simple and quick to make. It makes a perfect, healthy Swedish style lunch.

Fiona McKinna
May 30, 20252 min read


Heavenly Swedish Strawberry Cake (Himmelsk Jordgubbstårta)
It's just not summer in Sweden without a taste of this heavenly cake. Light sponge is topped with fluffy cream and filled with sweet strawberries. A true taste of Swedish summer!

Fiona McKinna
May 28, 20253 min read


What is Kristi Himmelfartsdag?
I don't usually like writing about religious and holy days but in Norway they are entrenched into normal day to day living. It's got nothing to do with the country being religious, because it's most definitely not, but more about tradition. Many of the religious holy days in Norway are included in the primstav (runic calendar) and as it's something I take a keen interest in and have been sharing with you, I feel the need to include as much as possible.

Fiona McKinna
May 25, 20252 min read
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